Editor & Writing Coach

"Jonathan gives everything to each piece he reads. He’s helped me see the heart in my writing, the gold, and he’s been able to show me where my writing stays true and where it strays. I can’t imagine a better reader, a better advocate for writers."

I'm a multigenre author, editor, and creative writing coach with twelve years of writing, publishing, editing, teaching, and coaching experience. I received my MFA in Creative Writing from Colorado State University and have a BA in English and Creative Writing from the University of Iowa. I spent three years as an associate editor at Colorado Review and founded Palooka, an international nonprofit literary magazine for the underdog, in 2010.

I have an intimate knowledge of the literary magazine and publishing markets and have evaluated and edited thousands of manuscripts from all genres at all different levels. I’ve also taught collegiate creative writing courses and instructed workshops, specializing in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and playwriting, as well as coaching creative writers to reach the full breadth of their talents.

Critique

I thoroughly read your manuscript (giving notes along the way) and offer a lengthy editorial letter detailing the strengths and weaknesses in structure, plot, characterization, setting, dialogue, point of view, and style. I will offer suggestions on how to improve the manuscript and help determine the next course of action.

Copy Edit

If you're less interested in content feedback and just want to clean up the manuscript, a copyedit improves readability by correcting errors and inconsistencies in spelling, grammar, and punctuation, ensuring the writing is as clear and professional as possible.

Line Edit

The line edit focuses mainly on digging into the lines, tightening, slight cutting, and enhancing the writing of the manuscript while putting less emphasis on the copyediting aspect.

Comprehensive Edit

This option includes copyediting, line editing, and a critique. I thoroughly read your manuscript (giving notes along the way) and offer a lengthy editorial letter detailing the strengths and weaknesses in structure, plot, characterization, setting, dialogue, point of view, and style. I also offer suggestions on how to improve the manuscript, enhance/tighten the writing, and correct errors and inconsistencies in spelling, grammar, and punctuation, ensuring the writing is as clear and professional as possible.

Literary Submissions

This is the option for you if you're looking for help on where and how to submit to meet your publishing goals, organize and track your submissions, craft a cover letter, learn the ins and outs of the literary magazine industry, and improve your submission experience.

Contact

Feel free to contact me and let me know how I can help you on your creative journey! I look forward to hearing from you and reading your words.